Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Punjab government to spell out the basis on which the maximum age to apply for the Punjab Civil Services (Executive) Exams had been reduced. The government has to file a reply on December 4.

The petitioner, Sukhchain Singh had contended that government had advertised for the 101 posts Punjab Civil Services (Executive) and allied services and he wanted to apply for the same. In 2013, the maximum age criterion was 38 years. However, this year, it has been lower by one year and has been specified as 37 years without any justification or reasoning.

When information was sought under Right to Information Act, the respondents simply stated that letter dated October 8 2012, vide which the age had been enhanced to 38 years has been withdrawn and age has been reduced to 37 years.

The petitioner then moved to high court and sought orders to the respondents to allow him to appear in examination, the result of which could be based on outcome of petition.

The bench however, turned down the request of petitioner and made it clear that it could not pass any order without hearing the respondents and posted the matter for December 4.